One third of Australians
are low in vitamin D
Vitamin D is a hormone
that controls calcium levels
in the blood; crucial for bone and
muscle development, and in the
prevention of osteoporosis.
…but 2 in 3 Australians will be
diagnosed with skin cancer
by the age of 70.
So how do you get enough sun for vitamin D
without increasing the risk of skin cancer?
Check the daily sun protection
times online or use the free
SunSmart smartphone app
to determine whether or not
sun protection is required
in your location.
Vitamin D can be found in
some foods, but it is difficult
to get enough vitamin D from
diet alone. The sun is the best
natural source of vitamin D.
UV levels vary across Australia so the amount of sun required
for vitamin D depends on your location and the time of year.
March
30 - 60 days
Our bodies only store
enough vitamin D to
last between 30-60 days.
Sunscreen
use should not
put people at risk
of vitamin D
deficiency.
During months when the UV is below
3 all day, skin types 1 – 4 should aim for
2-3 hours of midday winter sun
exposure spread over the week to the face,
arms, hands (or equivalent area of skin)
Skin types 5 & 6
may need 3 – 6
times this amount.
When the UV is above 3 skin types 1 – 4
should aim for just a few minutes
of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun
exposure each day
Skin types 5 & 6
again may need
3 – 6 times
this amount.
Staying out in the sun longer
doesn't increase vitamin D.
sunsmart.com.au
The more
skin exposed, the
more vitamin D
you make.
Top Tip! During winter, go for
a midday run in a t-shirt!
Exercise helps!